Protective screen for pedicure chair assembly

ABSTRACT

A protective screen for a pedicure chair assembly is configured to rotate between an up position and a down position. When in the down position, the protective screen interrupts a straight path between a patient sitting in a seat of the assembly and a therapist accessing the patient&#39;s feet. The protective screen allows the patient to enter and exit the chair when in the up position. The protective screen can be attached to a seat portion of the pedicure chair assembly so as to move with the seat portion. The protective screen may also deliver secondary treatment fluids.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 63/064,200, which was filed on Aug. 11, 2020, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is directed to apparatuses and methods for a pedicure chair assembly with a foot basin, and more particularly to protective structure for providing separation between a pedicure therapist and a patient seated in the pedicure chair.

During pedicure therapy a patient often sits in a chair while a pedicure therapist performs therapy on the patient's feet. As such, the therapist and patient are positioned facing one another in relatively close quarters during a therapy session.

Persons are known to expel particles along with air from their mouth and/or nose when sneezing, coughing, talking or even simply breathing. Such particles can include any number of different materials, including mucus, saliva, irritants and microbes, including in some cases infectious particles. It is widely desired to avoid breathing in particles expelled from another person.

Due to the close and face-to-face positioning between a pedicure therapist and a patient during a procedure, there is a significant risk that particles expelled by one party will be breathed in by the other.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure discloses aspects of a pedicure chair assembly having a protective screen that can be interposed between the patient and the therapist. The particular structure and functioning of the protective screen and associated pedicure chair assembly can vary over a wide range, as will be discussed in more detail below.

In accordance with one embodiment, the present specification describes a pedicure chair assembly. The pedicure chair assembly can comprise a base extending from a front end to a back end, a seat supported on the base, a leg support disposed in front of the seat and configured to support a foot and/or leg of a patient seated in the seat; and a protective screen configured to be moved between an up position and a down position. When the protective screen is in the down position the protective screen is interposed between the seat and the leg support.

In some such embodiments the leg support is supported on the base.

In additional embodiments the protective screen comprises structure to provide a secondary treatment therapy.

In accordance with another embodiment the present specification provides a protective screen assembly configured for attachment to a pedicure chair assembly. The protective screen assembly comprises a support frame configured to be attached to a seat back of a pedicure chair assembly so that the support frame moves with the seat back, a pedicure screen, and a brace. The brace is attached to the pedicure screen and attached to the support frame in a manner so that the brace and pedicure screen can move relative to the support frame between an up and a down position. The support fame is connected to the seat back at a first mount point, a second mount point horizontally spaced from the first mount point, and a third mount point vertically spaced from the first mount point.

In an additional embodiment the screen has an upper edge, a lower edge, and opposing side edges between the upper and lower edges. In another such embodiment, the screen is configured to curve about 150-210° between the side edges. In yet another such embodiment, the screen comprises a mount for holding a computerized device.

In accordance with still another embodiment, the present specification provides a method for blocking materials expelled from a mouth of one of a patient and a therapist from flowing to the face of the other of the patient and the therapist during pedicure/manicure therapy. The method includes seating the patient in a pedicure chair assembly, and moving a protective screen from an up position to a down position. The protective screen has an upper edge, a lower edge, and opposing side edges between the upper and lower edges. Also, the protective screen is configured so that when in the down position it interrupts a straight path from the face of the patient to the face of the therapist when the therapist is performing one or more of pedicure therapy and manicure therapy.

In another embodiment, when the protective screen is in the down position and the therapist is performing pedicure therapy on the patient, the lower edge is above the legs of the patient but below the face of the therapist.

In a further embodiment, the lower edge of the protective screen is curved so that, when in the down position, the lowest portion of the lower edge is directly in front of a face of the patient. In one such embodiment, when the protective screen is in the down position and the therapist is performing manicure therapy on the patient, the lower edge adjacent an armrest of the pedicure chair assembly is vertically above a patient's arm resting on the armrest, but vertically lower than the face of the therapist.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pedicure chair assembly;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a pedicure chair assembly;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a base portion of a pedicure chair assembly;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a seat portion of a pedicure chair assembly;

FIG. 5 shows a seat back portion of the set portion of FIG. 4 partially disassembled;

FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of FIG. 5 partially disassembled;

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a pedicure chair assembly having a protective screen in an up, or open, position;

FIG. 8 shows the arrangement of FIG. 7 with the protective screen in a down, or closed, position;

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a pedicure chair assembly having a protective screen in an up, or open, position;

FIG. 10 shows the arrangement of FIG. 9 with the protective screen in a down, or closed, position;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a protective screen assembly; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a pedicure chair assembly including the protective screen assembly of FIG. 11, shown in a down position.

DESCRIPTION

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary and presently preferred embodiments of a protective screen assembly for a pedicure chair assembly, and a pedicure chair assembly incorporating such a protective screen assembly. These exemplary embodiments, including methods of using same as discussed herein, are not intended to represent the only forms in which the present devices, systems, and methods may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth features and methods for using embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and structures may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As denoted elsewhere herein, like element numbers are intended to indicate like or similar elements or features.

Embodiments are described herein in the context of a pedicure chair assembly. Although the present specification describes features of such a pedicure chair assembly, additional features and understanding of various embodiments of pedicure chair assemblies and features thereof are available in the Lexor Pedi-spa User Manual that is included as Appendix 1 of application Ser. No. 63/064,200 which is incorporated by reference.

With initial reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, embodiments of pedicure chair assemblies 20 are illustrated. These embodiments share some features and attributes, even though such features and attributes may be configured, placed, shaped or operated somewhat differently in different assembly embodiments. As shown, the pedicure chair assemblies 20 comprise a base 22 that supports a seat 30 and comprises a basin 32 situated in front of the seat 30 and configured to be selectively filled with water. A patient can sit in the seat 30 with her feet in the basin 32 and/or with one or more of her legs and/or feet resting upon a foot rest/calf support 34 defined on the base 22 adjacent and in front of the basin 32. Typically, a therapist stool or chair 36 is independently movable relative to the pedicure chair assembly 20, and is used by a therapist performing pedicure therapy. The therapist will often position the therapist chair 36 so as to be seated in front of the pedicure chair assembly 20 and adjacent the foot rest 34 so to have easy access to the patient's feet while performing pedicure therapy.

The basin 32 may include water supply inlets 38 and/or a showerhead 40 for filling the basin 32, as well as a drain 42 for emptying it. In some embodiments the basin 32 may include a jet generator 44 configured to circulate water within the basin 32. Physical controls, such as a water fill control 46, drain control 47 and hot/cold mixer control 48 can be provided. An electronic control panel 50 can also be provided adjacent the basin 32 and supported by the base 22. In some embodiments the electronic control panel 50 can also control certain aspects of water filling and pump use, and may also enable control of other aspects of the pedicure chair assembly 20 as will be described in more detail below.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the seat 32 can comprise a seat bottom 58, a seat back 60, and a pair of armrests 62. The seat back 60 can include a back cushion portion 68 including padding for the patient's comfort, and a seat back shell 70 that may be configured to add rigidity and support to the seat back 60. In the illustrated embodiment, a paper holder 72 can be mounted onto the seat back shell 70. The back cushion portion 68 may define a headrest 74. As discussed in more detail below, the seat back 60 may include additional comfort and therapy structures such as a massage structure and/or heat. The armrests 62 can be structurally attached to the seat back 60, and preferably define an armrest cushion 64 upon which the patient may rest her arms. A hook or bag hanger 66 may be supported by the armrests 62 or, in additional embodiments, by the base 22, seat back shell 70 or the like. A remote controller 78 can be arranged to rest on or, in some embodiments be incorporated into, one of the armrests 62. A manicure tray 69 can extend from each armrest 62 so as to provide a convenient structure to assist with manicure therapy provided while the patient remains in the chair assembly 20.

Preferably a control box 80 is supported by the pedicure chair assembly 20. In the illustrated embodiment the control box 80 is arranged within the base 22 and comprises a computer system having a processor, memory and structure enabling communication with the controllers 50, 78 and also with various mechanisms of the assembly 20 so as to effectuate control inputs received from the controllers 50, 78.

As used herein, a “computer system” comprises any suitable combination of computing or computer devices, such as desktops, laptops, cellular phones, blades, servers, interfaces, systems, databases, agents, peers, engines, modules, or controllers, operating individually or collectively. Computer systems and servers may comprise at least a processor configured to execute software instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory computer readable storage medium (e.g., hard drive, solid state drive, RAM, flash, ROM, etc.). The software instructions preferably configure the computer system and server to execute the functionality as disclosed. As used herein, a “unified gateway” comprises an improved routing device that dynamically bridges communication gaps between data transceivers that have differing transmission, security, and overhead restrictions and metrics.

With reference next to FIG. 3, the illustrated base 22 is configured to receive and support a seat support structure 82 mounted thereon. In the illustrated embodiment a seat bottom support frame 84 is slidably connected to the seat support structure 82. Actuators are provided to selectively move the seat bottom support frame 84 (and thus the entire seat 30) forwardly and backwardly over the seat support structure 82. Such actuators can be powered by and controlled by the control box 80 based on inputs received from the patient or therapist via one or both of the controllers 50, 78.

With reference next to FIGS. 4-6, the seat back 60 preferably comprises a seat back frame 90 arranged within the seat back 60 between, and supporting, the seat back cushion 68 and seat back shell 70. The illustrated seat back frame 90 comprises an upper brace 92 and a lower brace 94. A massage assembly 96 is supported by the illustrated seat back frame 90, and is configured with structure and componentry to selectively provide massage therapy to the patient seated in the seat 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat back frame 90 is releasably attachable to the seat bottom support frame 84, and also rotatable relative to the seat bottom support frame 84 so that the seat back 60 can be selectively reclined. Actuators to enable such rotation can also be supported by the seat back frame 90. Such actuators can be powered by and controlled by the control box 80 based on inputs received from the patient or therapist via one or both of the controllers 50, 78.

As best shown in FIG. 6, in the illustrated embodiment the seat back shell 70 can be attached to the seat back frame via fasteners 98 that engage the upper brace 92 and lower brace 94. As such, the seat back shell 70 is rigidly and securely attached to the seat back frame 90. Preferably, the seat back shell 70 itself is relatively rigid, such as being molded out of a rigid or semi-rigid polymer material.

With reference next to FIGS. 7 and 8, another embodiment is illustrated in which a protective screen assembly 100 is attached to a pedicure chair assembly 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the protective screen assembly 100 is formed separately from the pedicure chair assembly 20 and is mounted to the seat back 60 so that it can pivot between an up or open position as depicted in FIG. 7 and a down or closed position as depicted in FIG. 8. The illustrated protective screen assembly 100 comprises a screen 101, a screen brace 104 and a screen support frame 106. The illustrated screen brace 104 is attached to the screen 101, providing structural support thereto, and follows the curvature of the screen 101. It is to be understood that screen braces 104 having other specific structure and configuration can be employed.

The illustrated screen support frame 106 comprises a mount strap 110 that is configured to be attached to the seat back 60, such as to the seat back shell 70 and/or through the shell 70 to the upper brace 92 of the seat back frame 90. In some embodiments such attachment can be accomplished by, for example, fasteners 98. In other embodiments the mount strap 110 can be permanently attached to the seat back frame 90, such as by welding. In still further embodiments the mount strap 110 can be formed as part of the rigid seat back shell 70.

With continued reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, side portions 112 of the mount strap 110 extend forwardly from the back of the seat back 60 and along the sides of the seat back 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the side portions 112 generally approximate the sides of the seat back 60, meaning the side portions 112 are immediately adjacent to or even in contact with the sides of the seat back 60. A pivot 120 connects the screen brace 104 (and therefore screen 101) to the mount strap 110 so that the screen 101 can rotate relative to the mount strap 110 about the pivot 120 between the open and closed positions. Preferably, rotation stops (not shown) are provided to prevent the screen 101 from rotating upwardly (clockwise in FIG. 7) beyond the open position and also to prevent the screen 101 from rotating downwardly (counter-clockwise in FIG. 8) beyond the closed position.

The screen 101 preferably is formed of a transparent material, such as a sheet of polycarbonate, plexiglass, acrylic, or another transparent or semi-transparent polymer that preferably is rigid enough to maintain its shape in the open and closed positions and while moving between such positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the screen 101 has an upper edge 122, a lower edge 124, and opposing side edges 126 extending between the upper and lower edges 122, 124.

As best shown in FIG. 8, when the screen assembly 100 is in the closed position, the screen 101 preferably is spaced from the patient seated in the seat 30, but extends uninterrupted from one side of the patient's head in front of and around to the other side of the patient's head. Preferably, the screen 101 is sized and configured so that, when the screen assembly 100 is in the closed position, the upper edge 122 is disposed vertically higher than the top of the headrest 74, and most preferably is configured to be vertically higher than the top of the head of a patient sitting in the seat 30. The side edges 126 are disposed rearwardly of the pivot 120 when the screen assembly 100 is in the closed position. Preferably, the pivots 120 are disposed along the sides of the seat back 60, and more preferably backwardly of the front of the seat back cushion 68. As such, when the screen assembly 100 is in the closed position, the side edges 126 of the screen 101 will be behind the front of the seat back cushion 68, and thus the screen 101 will extend past and terminate behind the patient's head.

Continuing with specific reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the lower edge 124 of the screen 101 preferably curves in a generally concave manner from its intersections with the side edges 126 so that its lowest point is generally in front of the patent and vertically well below the patient's head. In a preferred embodiment, the lowest point of the lower edge 124 (when the screen assembly 100 is in the closed position) is disposed forwardly of the forward-most portions of the seat bottom 58 and armrests 62, and approaches, but remains vertically above, the upper surfaces of the armrest cushions 64, and also provides space for the patient to extend their legs outwardly so as to rest on the footrest 34. In this manner, when the screen assembly 100 is in the closed position the screen 101 blocks any direct, or straight, air flow path between the patient's face and the face of a therapist located at or adjacent the front of the pedicure chair assembly 20 as in the process of providing pedicure therapy. As such, the therapist and patient are protected from mouth-expelled materials originating from one another, as the screen 101 disrupts any direct flow of such mouth-expelled materials.

With specific reference again to FIG. 8, the lower edge 124 preferably follows a curvature configured so that when the screen assembly 100 is in the closed position, a space is defined between the lower edge 124 and the upper surface of the armrest cushion 64, as well as the upper surface of the manicure tray 69 so that a therapist performing manicure therapy on the patient may have access to the patient's hand. Nevertheless, as with performance of pedicure therapy, preferably the lower edge 124 is sufficiently below the patient's face so that the screen 101 blocks any direct, or straight, air flow path between the patient's face and the face of a therapist located at or adjacent the side of the pedicure chair assembly 20 at the manicure tray 69 as in the process of providing manicure therapy. As such, the therapist and patient are protected from mouth-expelled materials originating from one another, as the screen 101 disrupts any direct flow of such mouth-expelled materials.

In the illustrated embodiment, the portion of the screen 101 at and adjacent the pivots 120 extends in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the base 22. Between the pivots 120, the screen 101 extends forwardly and curves so as to curve about 180°. As such, the screen 101 extends uninterrupted from behind the patient's head on one side of the seat 30 in front of and around to a point behind the patient's head on the other side of the seat 30. It is to be understood, however, that other specific configurations can be employed. For example, in some embodiments the screen 101 at the pivots 120 can already be angled inwardly so that the screen 101 does not complete a full 180° curve between the pivots 120, and the screen 101 is closer to the patient's face about most of the curvature. In other embodiments the screen 101 can be bowed outwardly at the pivots 120 so that the screen 101 curves more than 180° between the pivots 120, providing more space between the patient's head and the screen 101, at least at the sides of the patient's head.

With reference next to FIGS. 9 and 10, in additional embodiments, the screen assembly 100 can support and include structure accommodating secondary treatment options. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, an array 130 of infrared (IR) light emitting diodes (LEDs) is provided on or in the screen 101. In this embodiment, while the therapist is providing pedicure or manicure therapy, the IR LED array 130 can provide a skin therapy.

In some embodiments, the screen brace 104, or another structural feature, can also be configured to provide secondary treatments. For example, the brace 104 can be hollow and configured to enclose treatment supply tubes (not shown). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, tubes within or on the brace 104 can carry steam, and a plurality of openings 132 communicating with such tubes can be configured to supply steam/humidity therapy to the patient in the space within the closed screen 101. One or more of the openings 132 can also be configured to supply oxygen, for an oxygen therapy. The pedicure chair assembly 20 can include structure for supplying such therapies, such as a steam generator, oxygen generator, and/or air pump, within the chair assembly 20, such as within the base 22 and/or supported by the seat back frame 90. Tubing can connect tubes within the brace 104 to such structure. Combinations of therapies can also be contemplated. For example, FIG. 10 depicts an option in which a port 134 is provided for receiving a source 136 of essential oils for aromatherapy. The port 134 enables such essential oils to be combined with air and effused through one or more of the openings 132. In still further embodiments a port 138 on the brace 104 can be configured to connect to a disposable oxygen cannula (not shown) that can be worn by the patient. The port 138 can be connected to an oxygen source within the chair assembly 20. The structure for actuating secondary treatments preferably can be powered by and controlled by the control box 80 based on inputs received from the patient or therapist via one or both of the controllers 50, 78.

With reference next to FIGS. 11 and 12, another embodiment of a screen assembly 100 comprises support frame 106 comprising a mount strap 110 and a lower support portion 140. The lower support portion 140 comprises a pair of side members 142 that depend from the mount strap 110 to a bottom cross member 144. The bottom cross member 144 can be received by a bottom mount 146. Preferably, the lower support portion 140 is sized and configured so that the bottom mount 146 can be aligned with the lower brace 94 of the seat back frame 90, and fasteners 98 can securely attach the bottom mount 146 to the lower brace 94 through the back shell 70.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mount strap 110 is configured to engage and extend across the seat back shell 70. In this embodiment, the mount strap 110 extends beyond the sides of the seat back 60, and the side portions 112 of the mount strap extend forwardly, but are spaced from the sides of the seat back 60. A pair of top mounts 148 depend from the mount strap and are sized and configured to align with the upper brace 92 of the seat top frame 90 so that fasteners 98 can securely attach the top mounts 148 to the seat top frame 90 through the back shell 70. As such, in this embodiment the screen mount 106 securely attaches the screen assembly 100 to the pedicure chair assembly 20 at multiple locations that are spaced apart vertically and horizontally. Further, in this embodiment the bottom mount 146 and top mounts 148 are all attached to the seat back 60, and thus the screen assembly 100 is configured to move with the seat back 60 as the seat back is rotated for the comfort of the patient.

With continued reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, in the illustrated embodiment, a screen brace 104 is aligned with the screen's side edge 126 on both sides. Preferably the opposing screen braces 104 provide sufficient support for the screen 101. As shown, each screen brace 104 is connected to the mount strap 110 at a pivot 120, which enables the screen 101 to rotate relative to the support frame 106 (and seat back 60) between the open and closed positions.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower edge 124 is generally convex in curvature about a side space 150 on each side of the screen 101, and generally flat or lightly concave between the side spaces 150 in a middle portion of the screen 101. The side spaces 150 preferably are sized and configured to provide room for a patient's arm to move out from behind the screen 101 so as to accommodate a therapist providing manicure therapy along the side of the chair assembly 20. The side spaces 150 can also be sized and configured to facilitate easy patient ingress and egress from the pedicure chair assembly 20 when the screen assembly 100 is in the open position.

With particular reference to FIG. 12, in a preferred embodiment the screen 101 is devoid of structural features blocking the view therethrough. However, in additional embodiments the screen 101 can support entertainment features. For example, a display mount 160 optionally can be mounted to the inside of the screen 101 so as to be directly in front of a patient seated in the seat 30. The display mount 160 can include a base portion 162 and a holder portion 164. The holder portion 164 can be configured to releasably support a media source, such as a patient's portable computing device (i.e., phone, tablet or the like). In some embodiments, electric wires can be provided to charge the computing device during therapy. In additional embodiments the display mount 160 can permanently mount an entertainment device, such as an electronic display, which can display media delivered from the patient's own computing device (such as through streaming) and/or can display media provided via the control box 80 based on inputs received form the patient or therapist via one of the controllers 50, 78.

The particular shape of the screens 101 in the illustrated embodiments are presented as examples. It is to be understood that other shapes and configurations can be employed. For example, in some embodiments the screen 101 may have hard corners rather than a contiguous curve. Also, additional embodiments can be closed at the top of the screen 101 and/or a tenting structure can be provided for selectively closing the open top. Further, privacy curtains can be provided to block other patients within a salon from seeing the patient.

In still other embodiments the screen assembly 100 can be configured smaller so that the space between the screen 101 and the patient's head is substantially smaller than in the illustrated embodiments. And in still further embodiments the space can be substantially greater than in the illustrated embodiments. In yet additional embodiments, rather than rotating about an axle-based pivot, the screen assembly can employ a linkage to support the screen 101 and enable it to rotate between the up and down positions. And in still further embodiments, a motor can be employed to rotate the screen 101, such motor preferably being controlled by one or more of the controllers 50, 78.

It is to be understood also that screen assembly embodiments can be employed in connection with a broad range of pedicure chair assemblies, including pedicure chair assemblies having more or less features than those depicted in the embodiments. For example, a simple pedicure chair that does not include features such as a built-in basin or foot rest, or even have any electronic controls, can still have a protective screen having features of one or more of the embodiments discussed herein. In yet further embodiments, a protective screen can be installed on a chair configured for other uses, such as an office chair. Similar such embodiments can comprise a plurality of office-type chairs having protective screen assemblies installed thereon being included in a conference room, conference hall, or the like, so that individual attendees can be protected from one another. In some such embodiments in which such chairs are to be used with a table, the protective screen can be configured so that the lower edge remains above the table or—in some embodiments—a rotation stop can be adjusted to stop rotation—and thus establish the down position—depending on the height of a table or other implement with which the chair is being used.

In still further embodiments, the screen support frame can be configured to support the protective screen independently. For example, the screen support frame can be a free-standing unit that can be positioned over or adjacent a chair to provide protection to a person seated in the chair. In yet additional embodiments the screen support frame can be configured to attach to other structures, such as a vertical wall of a building, a floor, a table, or other furniture. It can also be configured to attach to other structures of a pedicure chair assembly, such as the base or the seat bottom.

The embodiments discussed above have disclosed structures with substantial specificity. This has provided a good context for disclosing and discussing inventive subject matter. However, it is to be understood that other embodiments may employ different specific structural shapes and interactions.

Although inventive subject matter has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred or illustrated embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the disclosed embodiments have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of the inventive subject matter, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventive subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the inventive subject matter herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pedicure chair assembly, comprising: a base extending from a front end to a back end; a seat supported on the base; a leg support disposed in front of the seat and configured to support a foot and/or leg of a patient seated in the seat; and a protective screen configured to be moved between an up position and a down position; wherein when the protective screen is in the down position the protective screen is interposed between the seat and the leg support.
 2. The pedicure chair assembly of claim 1, wherein the leg support is supported on the base.
 3. The pedicure chair assembly of claim 1, wherein the protective screen comprises structure to provide a secondary treatment therapy.
 4. A protective screen assembly configured for attachment to a pedicure chair assembly, the protective screen assembly comprising: a support frame configured to be attached to a seat back of a pedicure chair assembly so that the support frame moves with the seat back; a pedicure screen; and a brace attached to the pedicure screen and attached to the support frame in a manner so that the brace and pedicure screen can move relative to the support frame between an up and a down position; wherein the support fame is connected to the seat back at a first mount point, a second mount point horizontally spaced from the first mount point, and a third mount point vertically spaced from the first mount point.
 5. The protective screen of claim 4, wherein the screen has an upper edge, a lower edge, and opposing side edges between the upper and lower edges.
 6. The protective screen of claim 5, wherein the screen is configured to curve about 150-210° between the side edges.
 7. The protective screen of claim 6, wherein the screen comprises a mount for holding a computerized device.
 8. A method for blocking materials expelled from a mouth of one of a patient and a therapist from flowing to the face of the other of the patient and the therapist during pedicure/manicure therapy, comprising: seating the patient in a pedicure chair assembly; and moving a protective screen from an up position to a down position, the protective screen having an upper edge, a lower edge, and opposing side edges between the upper and lower edges, the protective screen configured so that when in the down position it interrupts a straight path from the face of the patient to the face of the therapist when the therapist is performing one or more of pedicure therapy and manicure therapy.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein when the protective screen is in the down position and the therapist is performing pedicure therapy on the patient, the lower edge is above the legs of the patient but below the face of the therapist.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the lower edge of the protective screen is curved so that, when in the down position, the lowest portion of the lower edge is directly in front of a face of the patient.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein when the protective screen is in the down position and the therapist is performing manicure therapy on the patient, the lower edge adjacent an armrest of the pedicure chair assembly is vertically above a patient's arm resting on the armrest, but vertically lower than the face of the therapist. 